Twenty firefighters battle Burlington blaze for three hours; $500,000 in damage

A serious fire did more than $500,000 damage to a Burlington house yesterday morning.

Burlington Fire Department had more than 20 firefighters at the scene of the blaze on Bellview Street, south of Mapleview Shopping Centre, beginning at around 9:20 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19.

No one was inside the structure and the cause of the fire, which started in the kitchen, is still undetermined.

Firefighters were on scene for about three hours and the case has been sent to the Fire Marshall’s Office because the estimated damage is more than $500,000.

The BFD reminds everyone of these safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas
• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with the entire family
• Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room, if possible
• Check that all exits are unobstructed and easy to use
• Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone else who may need assistance
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for
• If caught in smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home
• Once out, stay out – never re-enter a burning building.